Collection de Vases Inventés, et Dessinés by FONTANIEU, Pierre-Elizabeth de (1730-1784) - 1770

Paris, 1770. From the Collection of Arthur & Charlotte Vershbow. Folio (500 x 327 mm). Engraved title and dedication, 27 full-page plates of urns and vases, with 20 shown in outline on opposite pages, engraved by Niodot after Fontainieu, Charles-Nicolas Cochin II and Simon Charles Miger. Contemporary French mottled calf gilt. Front hinge cracked, some light wear to extremities. Provenance: Jean Baptiste L'Ecuy (1740-1834), Abbot-General of the Premonstratensian Order (armorial bookplate, and his inscription to:) Pierre de Launay; purchased from Marlborough Rare Books, 1986. FIRST EDITION. Fontanieu was keeper of King Louis XVI's furniture, and this series of designs for turners, casters and chasers was highly influential in inspiring many important vases produced by the Sévres Factory. The style reflects the move away from the rococo towards neoclassicism, and the plates show both the outline of the forms, and the forms fully decorated. The final seven plates show vases in situ on plinths. A fine association copy from the library of Jean Baptise L'Ecuy, Abbot-General of the Premonstratensian Order and a notable collector of books and scientific instruments. He has written a lengthy presentation inscription in Latin giving the book to his friend and neighbor, Pierre de Launay, Director of the Royal Glass-works at St. Gobain. Berlin Kat. 1089; Cohen-de Ricci 407; Guilmard I, p. 233.